It’s true, the all-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata is now more baller than ever

Our world is chock-a-block full of celebrities that have re-invented themselves, like Lady Gaga and Caitlyn Jenner. And then there are those that we heartily wish would re-invent themselves, like Donald Trump.

But then there are legends, where it’s difficult to believe there’s any need, indeed, any room for improvement. Take the Mazda MX-5 Miata, already the best-selling roadster of all time. Having long outpaced the classic MG, how could anyone make it better? And why?

So anticipating the made-over Miata was both terrifying and exhilarating. The fankids wanted more horsepower, more bounce to the ounce. At a cruise night, I once walked past a Miata with a Corvette engine, and shuddered. Is this what the world wanted? A monster Miata?

Of course my angst was unfounded, and the unveiling of the 2016 MX-5 revealed a car that looked like a baby Jaguar, menacingly crouched low to the ground, with slitty eyes full of subversive intentions. And ready for the kittenish hijinks you’d expect from a car that had shed 250 pounds.

Slithering in behind the wheel, I noticed this Miata had a screen on the dash, where there had been none before. This was a Miata with technology, namely, the Mazda Connect system. But it was still unabashedly a fleet-footed firebrand, wrapping me up in deliciously ruinous influences. A gearshift that thrust ahead in divinely short strokes, while the 155 horsepower engine snarled gorgeously in approval. Peering out over the flared Soul Red Mica hood, I was submerged in the little roadster’s dark spell, and spun out over the highway under a hot sun, impervious to better judgements.

Capricious summer weather intervened, and as I tore along Major MacKenzie, the sky sliced open and raindrops pelted down. I pulled over, and with the quick release of a latch, yanked the soft top back up in seconds without leaving my seat. I picked up my long tall Sally of a friend, (not really her name), who unfolded herself into the diminutive roadster with glee. So it wasn’t just my imagination, there really was much more room inside than before. Even in the rain, driving was blissful.

The next day, I stopped in at a dear friend’s repair shop. As I guided the cheeky little roadster in, we were immediately swarmed by a shop-full of Miata enthusiasts, who popped the hood, murmuring at the changes. My buddy, whose Miata is of a considerably older vintage than the 2016, insisted on going for a drive, and we tore up the Don Valley – in the HOV lanes, because we were two. He marvelled at the pick-up, and the well-tuned SkyActiv power, which reached 100 clicks in about six seconds.

Then, I had a date with my comedian/singer friend, who is something of a baby Jaguar herself. An MG afficionado, she was crushed when the MG stopped production, and wanted to see what all the Miata fuss was about. Doing a thorough walkaround before sliding into the passenger seat, she commented on how low it was and wondered if she’d be able to see out the passenger side. Of course, it wasn’t a problem, and she took in the blurring scenery with delight as we screamed up the Allen expressway.

With my cupboards bare, I decided to go grocery shopping, at my favourite Polski supermarket in Mississauga, so off we sped. I loaded up on three different kinds of kielbassa, pastries, sauerkraut, potato salad, plums, cow candies and a few other essentials. The whisper of a trunk handily accommodated my purchases, and in fact, the little car smelled more delicious than perhaps Mazda intended. I’ve always wanted to eat up the roadster, and it was mouth-wateringly irresistible this time around.

While the Miata has always been eye candy, the tight and supple curves of the new two-seater garnered more gawkers than ever. Miata fans appeared in the darnedest places – parking lots, street corners, my own building’s underground. Luckily I had the important facts memorized, otherwise, I might have had to haul out the owner’s manual.

When it was time to return the little darling to its rightful owner, we swept along the open lanes one last time, taking bold, unyielding strides along the blacktop, and revelling in the firm corners.

For a moment, I toyed with the idea of heading south, to Mexico, maybe. Just me and the Miata. Forever.

22 Comments on "It’s true, the all-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata is now more baller than ever"

“The whisper of a trunk handily accommodated my purchases, and in fact, the little car smelled more delicious than perhaps Mazda intended. I’ve always wanted to eat up the roadster, and it was mouth-wateringly irresistible this time around.”

Oh, Phoenicia, I’m glad you think so. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is head and shoulders above any other car out there, even more expensive and powerful vehicles. You just can’t get more fun for your dollar. And thank you for the lovely compliment, you can tell I was inspired!

Unbelievable what they have done with this new model! Remember when they first came out? OMG…loved the Miata! But this looks like a whole new breed. Sexy, sexy, sexy! Most especially on a capricious summer day…wonderful writing, too:)

I do remember, Jacqui! Knew a couple of people who ordered one sight unseen, untested, undriven, the buzz around it was so strong. And now, better and sexier than ever! Thanks for all your kind words ; ))

Krystyna, I am so envious of you that I actually turned green. What an amazing job you have – wish I was 50 years younger, I would look for a similar one. Imagine, driving the Mazda Miata – that has to be everyone’s dream. I can well imagine Miata fans appearing everywhere, it’s not everyday you see such a beauty. Oh, I wish I lived next door to you – you would never get away withouth taking me along (aren’t you lucky I don’t).

No! You couldn’t have!! I would have noticed : )) And I would absolutely love to take you for a ride in the Miata, or any other car for that matter. It’s more fun to share these great cars with someone who appreciates them as much as I do. I’m sure we’d have an absolute blast!

I love your description of driving the Miata. I’ve never driven one myself though I don’t think it would be for me as I’ve never been one for speed. I will say that the Miata is nice to look at. I would just like to have one of those parked in my driveway…just to see people’s reaction when they stop by!

Erica, you might be surprised by how much fun it is to drive the Miata. There’s no need to go that fast, it’s the handling that sells people on this car – going around corners, it’s so responsive you’d think it was an extension of your arms and legs! Of course, it’s lovely to look at as well – all part of the Miata package.

Oh my, there are people who buy a Miata every time they put out a new one, Doreen. I’ll bet your friend is comparing his Lexus hardtop to the newest 2016 Miata – hard to beat it for hotness and performance.

I LOVE your posts! The Miata my God, I remember when it first arrived on the scene, it looked like a death box. It’s taken on a new look, has a British kind of veneer. I have NO idea why I think that it just looks like something James Bond would drive : )

Why thanks for your kind words, Pamela! For sure, James Bond would look right at home in a Miata. It does look like a baby Jaguar, and he’s been known to drive a few of those. It’s always been the heir apparent to the British MG, and now has overtaken even that icon in popularity!

What an awesome looking little car, and what a great job you have! Many years ago I drove a Triumph Spitfire so I know what it’s like to try and function with so little interior and trunk space. Loved the drive but these days my live requires something more to the order of an SUV. 🙂

I do have the best job, Marquita, especially when cars like the Miata came along. The Spitfire is my favourite Triumph, such lovely curvy lines. Roadsters don’t offer much cargo room, the idea is, who cares? If you need to haul stuff, you are much better off with an SUV. Still some happy motoring to be had, I’m sure : ))

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Krystyna Lagowski drives like a girl

And I’m proud of it. I also write like a girl, about topics that more and more girls are getting involved in. That includes everything automotive, as well as transportation related issues like commuting, urban design, bicycling, pedestrian rights, public transit, and more. Although my approach may be light-hearted and upbeat, I take these topics very seriously, and hope you do as well.

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About Krystyna Lagowski

I'm a Toronto-based freelance writer with a love for all things automotive. But I also bicycle, take transit and walk because that's the reality of today's urban existence. And then, I write about it. I'd love to write for you too - drop me a line at writer@drivelikeagirl.ca